1935 Parker Deluxe Challenger Fountain Pen - FLEX

Vintage: 1935

Make: Parker

Model: Deluxe Challenger (Slender)

Color: Grey Pearl (chips on black)

Materials: Celluloid, nickel-plated trim

Filling System: Button-filler (resacced and guaranteed to fill to factory capacity). To fill simply unscrew the blind cap, submerse the nib, and depress the brass button once.

Length: This slender model measures 4 3/4” capped and 5 5/8” posted. 

Nib: Flexible 14k Parker Pen nib lays down a smooth and consistent XF line that widens to a 3B++ (approx 1.9mm) under moderate pressure 

Condition: The grey pearl portions of the overwhelming majority of grey Deluxe Challengers have discolored to green or even brown. The color of this pen, by contrast, is superb: evenly grey between the barrel and cap. Celluloid surface is smooth and lustrous with no deep scratches or other noteworthy blemishes. Nickel-plated trim is exceptionally clean with no brassing or other notable flaws aside from the typical sliver on the clip ball. Manufacturer imprint and date code on barrel are factory deep and fully legible. 

Details: The Deluxe was second only to the Royal Challenger in Parker's Challenger lineup of the 30s. A step up from the base Challenger model, it featured triple cap bands, a larger nib, and a fetching celluloid pattern comprised of pearlescent chips of color (in this case grey) that appear as if floating against a black backdrop. This is the earlier variant with a ball clip, which was changed to a blade-shaped clip in late 1937. Black jewel on the cap top.